Welcome to In the know, your go-to financial planning podcast. Listen in as our expert team discuss important financial planning topics.
The purpose of this podcast is to help you understand why everyone is financially unique, what your relationship with money is and how this is influenced. We hope that by making these discussions accessible, you are able to make more informed decisions moving forward.
Some historic episodes have been removed.
Episode 48 – Cash vs investments
In this episode, Ian Robinson and Shaun Braybrook discuss the role cash plays within client portfolios and the considerations to note.
Their conversation centres around several important themes, with the key talking points being:
- why you should hold cash;
- the appropriate level of cash to hold;
- whether cash is king;
- considerations;
- if investments could be more suitable in the long-term;
- alternatives to cash; and
- the importance of ongoing reviews.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. Please not that cash-like investments such as gilts, bonds and the Brooks Macdonald Liquid Reserve Portfolio Service do come with an element of risk and should not be treated in the same way as cash. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 47 – Addressing the Autumn Budget announcement
In this episode, Neil Clarke and Shaun Braybrook discuss the tax-related changes announced by Labour in the Autumn Budget.
Their conversation centres around the announcements made by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as well as the financial planning implications of these. It also includes references to their predictions from episode 45, which you may wish to listen to first. The key talking points include:
- Capital Gains Tax;
- Inheritance Tax;
- Pensions; and
- Business Relief and Agricultural Relief.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. Acting on speculation by making changes to your financial planning arrangements could very well be the wrong thing to do, as the rumours may prove to be totally without any foundation. This has been prepared based on our current understanding of UK Law, Taxation and HMRC practice, all of which could be subject to change in future.
Episode 45 – Addressing speculation ahead of Labour’s first Budget
In this episode, Neil Clarke and Shaun Braybrook discuss the rumours they have heard ahead of the Budget and the likelihood of Labour making specific tax-related changes. They discuss:
- pension tax-free lump sums;
- tax relief on pension contributions;
- how pensions are treated for Inheritance Tax purposes;
- the introduction of a ‘Wealth Tax’;
- altering Capital Gains Tax;
- increasing the rate of Inheritance Tax for the largest estates;
- Business Relief; and
- changes to ISAs.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. Acting on speculation by making changes to your financial planning arrangements could very well be the wrong thing to do, as the rumours may prove to be totally without any foundation. This has been prepared based on our current understanding of UK Law, Taxation and HMRC practice, all of which could be subject to change in future.
Episode 44 – What to expect from your first financial planning meeting
In this episode, Nathan Munt and Emma Hannon reveal what you can expect from your first financial planning meeting and how to prepare.
Within their conversation, they cover:
- the purpose of this first financial planning meeting;
- how and what to prepare;
- questions you could ask;
- why you should be open to conversations on more than your finances; and
- the importance of ensuring the financial planner is the right fit.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 42 – How to choose the right financial planner
In this episode, Nathan Munt and Emma Hannon discuss some of the things you must consider when seeking a financial planner to assist you.
Within their conversation, they cover:
- the difference between financial guidance and advice;
- what to look out for when finding a financial planner to work with;
- the difference between a financial planner, financial adviser and wealth manager; and
- considering your own preferences.
Whether you are considering financial advice for the first time, or are looking for a new professional to help you achieve your objectives, this episode is for you.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 41 – Market commentary with Brooks Macdonald (May 2024)
In this episode, Neil Clarke discusses the current and future state of the financial markets with Henrietta Walker.
The key topics include:
- interest rates in the US vs the UK;
- inflation;
- the current appeal of fixed interest options; and
- opportunities in the equity markets.
Henrietta is Head of the Investment Specialist Team at Brooks Macdonald, who are one of our trusted investment panel.
To find out more about Brooks Macdonald, please visit their website.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 40 – What changes to pension rules could mean for you
In this episode, Josh Cushion and Paul Thurston discuss the changes to pension rules which came into effect from April 2024 and how this could impact you.
Within their conversation, they cover:
- the removal of the Lifetime Allowance;
- the new Lump Sum Allowance and Lump Sum Death Benefit Allowance;
- how both allowances are tested;
- who may need to apply for a Transitional Tax-Free Amount Certificate; and
- what you may need to consider after these changes to pension rules.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The impact of taxation (and any tax relief) depends on individual circumstances. This has been prepared based on our current understanding of UK Law, Taxation and HMRC practice, all of which could be subject to change in future. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 38 – Retirement planning considerations
In this episode, Neil Clarke and Shaun Braybrook discuss the retirement planning considerations that you must take into account to live the life you wish to once you retire.
Within their conversation, they cover:
- why the State Pension is unlikely to be enough;
- why you may need to plan for a longer retirement than you think;
- why your retirement plan is unique to you and must include lifestyle considerations; and
- why early planning is best practice.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 37 – In the news (January 2024)
In this episode, Ian Robinson talks through some of the topical financial news stories from the month.
The stories discussed in this episode include:
- mortgage lenders beginning to reduce rates;
- the postmasters scandal;
- potential changes to Inheritance Tax; and
- optimism in the financial markets.
This episode is hosted by Josh Cushion.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 33 – Market commentary with Brooks MacDonald (May 2023)
In this episode, Neil Clarke discusses the current and future state of the financial markets with Edward Park.
The key topics include:
- inflationary drivers;
- interest rates;
- the likelihood of a recession; and
- why investors must consider the long-term.
Edward is Chief Investment Officer at Brooks Macdonald, who are one of our trusted investment panel.
To find out more about Brooks Macdonald, please visit their website.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 29 – The importance of personal insurance protection
In this episode of In the know, we are joined by Gregor Sked (Royal London).
The conversation focuses on the importance of personal insurance protection and includes in depth discussions on:
- why you should consider these policies and when they are suitable;
- the options available to you;
- misconceptions that may have stopped you in the past; and
- why you should consult a financial planner to help you.
Gregor is Intermediary Protection Development and Technical Manager at Royal London. To find out more about Royal London, visit their website.
Important information
The personal insurance protection products discussed in this podcast (with the exception of some Whole of Life policies) are not savings or investment products and have no cash value unless a valid claim is made. The tax treatment of any policy may depend on your individual circumstances and may be subject to future change. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 27 – Exploring ESG investments
In this episode, our Compliance and Research Manager, Paul Thurston, discusses ESG investments in depth with Tiziana Maida.
Key themes from their conversation include:
- how ESG differs from ethical investing;
- the growth and future of the ESG investment market;
- the investment options available to you; and
- how these options perform.
Tiziana is Head of Research at IPS Capital, who are one of our trusted panel of investment managers.
To find out more about IPS Capital, please visit their website.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 24 – Market commentary with Brooks Macdonald (March 2022)
Join Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke, as he discusses the current and future state of the financial markets with Edward Park. Their discussion provides clarity on the fallout of the current geopolitical crisis, as well as insight concerning the potential direction of inflation and interest rates.
Edward is Chief Investment Officer at Brooks Macdonald, who are one of our trusted investment panel.
To find out more about Brooks Macdonald, please visit their website.
Important information
The contents of this podcast do not constitute financial advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 23 – Involving your financial planner when transferring wealth
In this episode, Mark Brown and Kerry Holmes discuss how involving your financial planner can benefit you when considering wealth transfers to younger generations. Throughout this conversation, they cover the key considerations, how to speak with younger generations about wealth transfers, as well as the why each of your professional advisers should work together.
This discussion is the last of three instalments concerning Intergenerational Wealth Transfers. We recommend you listen to Episodes 19 and 21 first.
Episode 21 – Transferring wealth
In this episode, Mark Brown and Sarah Maguire discuss why you may wish to transfer wealth (gift) to family and charitable causes you care about, whilst explaining how you may do so. Throughout the episode they discuss commonly recommended solutions and challenges that may need to be overcome.
This discussion is the second of three instalments concerning Intergenerational Wealth Transfers. We recommend you listen to Episode 19 first.
Our IHT guide referenced in this episode can be found here.
Episode 19 – What are Intergenerational Wealth Transfers?
Listen in as Mark Brown and Neil Clarke discuss Intergenerational Wealth Transfers, the first of three informative conversations.
In this episode, they provide an in depth background concerning Intergenerational Wealth and discuss why, due to rising estate values, it is becoming increasingly important to plan ahead should you wish to support family or a charitable cause financially. Attention is also paid to emotional drivers and why this topic can be hard to discuss with family.
Episode 17 – The importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney
Listen in as Chartered Financial Planner, Nathan Munt , discusses Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) with Josh Dunstone.
Josh is a Solicitor at Spire Solicitors, who are based in Norfolk. He specialises in later-life planning, including wills, LPAs and trusts.
Their conversation focuses on the importance of LPAs, why it is important to put them in place early, as well as how they differ to Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Episode 15 – Defining the value of financial advice
Listen in as Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke, discusses the value of financial advice with Nathan Munt. Nathan is a Chartered Financial Planner at Lucas Fettes.
Their conversation focuses on creating and sustaining strong relationships with their clients, why advice is important, as well as why some of the benefits of financial advice are not necessarily financial.
Episode 13 (Solicitor special) – Working with vulnerable clients
Client vulnerability is an extremely sensitive area of client care and requires a careful and responsible approach.
In this episode our Managing Director, Mark Brown, is joined by David Mulholland. Their conversation covers the different types of client vulnerability and the issues with identifying them, as well as how each of our professions should be working with one another to create a suitable joined-up service for the client.
David is a Business Development Manager at Brooks MacDonald, who are one of our trusted investment panel. He specialises in Court of Protection.
To find out more about Brooks MacDonald, please visit their website.
Episode 12 – Market commentary with Brooks MacDonald (March 2021)
Join Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke, as he discusses the current and future state of the financial markets with Ed Park. This includes the outlook of the markets following Rishi Sunak’s Spring Budget announcement.
Ed is Chief Investment Officer at Brooks MacDonald, who are one of our trusted investment panel.
To find out more about Brooks MacDonald, visit their website.
Important information
The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episode 11 (Solicitor special) – The due diligence solicitors must undertake when referring clients
In this episode, Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke, discusses the due diligence solicitors must undertake when referring clients to a financial planner. This conversation covers several important points, all with the general theme of creating a suitable joined-up service for clients.
For this discussion, Neil is joined by Dave Seager of SIFA Professional. To find out more about SIFA Professional and the work they undertake to help create synergy between the financial and legal professions, visit their website.
Episode 9 – Ethical and sustainable investing
As concern for the planet increases amongst the population, ethical and sustainable investing (ESG) has become increasingly popular.
We define ethical and sustainable investing as investing with a view to helping society, the climate, planet, and avoiding areas that can be considered unethical.
It is important that you consider your ethical and sustainable preferences when making investment decisions.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this topic with Divisional Director and Independent Financial Planner, Kerry Holmes.
Important information
The value of investments can fall as well as rise and it may not always be possible to receive back the sum initially invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future investment returns. This podcast constitutes a financial promotion.
Episodes 1 – 7: The seven concepts of financial planning
The first episodes of In the know focus on our ‘7 Concepts of Financial Planning‘.
Episode 7 – Concept 7 (Keep on track)
Managing your finances, assets and financial planning is a continual process that takes into account changes in your life and the world around you.
Ensure you undertake regular reviews of your financial planning arrangements and the organisation and performance of your assets to ensure these are performing as required, making changes where necessary.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Divisional Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Liz Burrows .
Episode 6 – Concept 6 (Protect)
How are your financial plans impacted by your premature demise or illness?
You are at most risk during the period you are accumulating the level of assets you need to provide for the financial plans of you and your family. These risks can generally be insured to protect your financial plans.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Ian Burrows .
Episode 5 – Concept 5 (Assets)
In what form are the assets that make up your wealth held and does this reflect your needs, attitudes and preferences.
How your assets are held and managed will determine the cost to you, the tax you pay, the level of risk/volatility you experience and the returns you achieve.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke .
Episode 4 – Concept 4 (Tax)
Understanding how your various assets are taxed and whether these could be better organised to reduce the tax you pay.
Tax can have a significant impact on the value and longevity of your assets over time. By organising these within mainstream tax allowances you can minimise the amount of tax you pay and protect the value of your assets.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Ian Burrows .
Episode 3 – Concept 3 (Time and expertise)
How much time do you want to spend managing your assets and are they currently organised to reflect this?
Managing your assets/wealth takes time, knowledge and expertise. How much time you spend will be determined by where your assets are held and how involved you are, and want to be, in their management.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Divisional Director and Independent Financial Planner, Kerry Holmes .
Episode 2 – Concept 2 (How much?)
Understand how much money you need and whether you have enough.
Knowing the amount of assets you will need to meet your requirements, objectives and aspirations over the course of your lifetime and after you are deceased enables you to understand where you currently are in relation to this and how to plan accordingly.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Business Development Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Sarah Maguire .
Episode 1 – Concept 1 (You)
Everyone is financially unique and financial planning needs to be tailored to you.
You are financially unique – how your assets have been accumulated, where they are held and what you want to do with them is unique to you. Your objectives, attitudes, preferences and timescales will also be unique.
Join our Managing Director, Mark Brown, as he discusses this concept with Director and Independent Financial Planner, Neil Clarke.
